Dorothy (Atamian) Arakelian

Dorothy (Atamian) Arakelian, died Monday, August 1, 2022, while surrounded by her loving family.  She was 95.  She leaves a son, John Arakelian, and a daughter, Karen Cullen, both of Whitinsville; a sister, Shirley Derderian, of Cranston, RI; two grandchildren: Alex Cullen and Shawna Cullen; and 3 great grandchildren: Hailie, Zoey and Anais; and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Paul Arakelian, in 2017, her brother Gary Atamian and sister Gloria Zaroogian.

Mrs. Arakelian was born April 28, 1927, in Providence, RI, and was the oldest child of Manoog and Nevart (Ervanian) Atamian.  She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1945 and then went to work at the Outlet Company until she married.  Dorothy and Paul met at an Armenian dance where, she always said, "it was love at first sight."  After marrying, they moved to Whitinsville.  While her children were young, she began working for the Northbridge Public Schools in the food service department and worked more than 50 years in the schools' cafeterias.  She also worked alongside her husband in the family store, "Pauly's", as it was commonly known.

Family and faith were of the greatest importance to her.  As a young woman, she was instrumental in establishing the Jr. Ladies Guild at St. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Providence, later serving as the president of the Sr. Ladies Guild.  In Whitinsville, she was very active in the Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church as a member of the Ladies Guild, the choir, and in 2016 was recognized by the church for her many years of service and dedication to the church.  Her family and friends will remember her as a kind woman who always gave of her heart and put her family and others before herself.

Calling Hours are Friday, August 5, from 9:30-11:00 in the Armenian Apostolic Church, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00.  Burial is in Pine Grove Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Armenian Apostolic Church, 315 Church St., Whitinsville, MA, 01588.

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